If you see a man, horse, and dog on an adventure across America, it could be Matt Perella and his two furry friends. Perella is a former US Marine who continues to save lives in an unconventional way. His horse named Buck and his dog named Raffe are the perfect companions for his journey.
“Three Amigos” is walking together more than 4,000 miles as a way to raise money to help veterans with PTSD, dogs in high-kill shelters, and retired horses . Many people are now invested in Perella’s journey and inspired by his kindness and dedication.
Journey to help others
Perella retired from the Marines in 2003 after developing PTSD. He said his dog at the time helped save his life and he wishes all veterans could have the perfect canine friends by their side. So he is working to found an organization called Righteous Life Saving Farmbut he needs help raising funds to get started.
This organization will rescue dogs at risk of death at shelters and train them to be service dogs for veterans with PTSD. The dogs will be donated to veterans who are having a hard time acquiring a service dog. Perella also plans to adopt retired horses and provide them with a comfortable home. The horses can provide therapy for anyone who needs support from the majestic animals.
“I lost many friends in the battle of PTSD. I wish there were more places where we could go and erase these negative thoughts,” Perella said. “That’s why I’m on this journey and hopefully we can get the dogs in front of the veterans.”
So, as a way to draw attention to her target, Perella was riding Buck across America with Raffe galloping beside them. They started in Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware and are making their way to San Francisco, California. They will travel 4,000 miles in total, so it will be a long and slow process, but they hope it will inspire people and help bring in donations.
Perella’s Purpose
After the trio completes their journey, they will win the world record for a person crossing the United States on a horse with a dog. It hasn’t been an easy journey so far, but Perella doesn’t give up. He found lots of nice stops to camp along the way. He has a truck with a trailer that people bring to the campsites for him, but if Perella has to drive it himself, he needs to find a ride back to Buck to continue the journey.
According to Perella’s last Instagram updates, they’re reaching the end of Maryland, so they have a long way to go. But Perella remains determined because this journey and organization is his dream. He wants to be able to help as many people and animals as possible.
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“If I only help one person. This journey will be well worth it. This is my new purpose,” Perella said. “That is what I hope to give to these veterans with PTSD. A new reason to live. ”
Perella got Raffe from a murder shelter, and he helped correct his aggressive behaviors in just four months. Now, Raffe is a service dog and the most supportive dog Perella has ever had. So Perella is confident she can train more rescue dogs to help other veterans.
If you would like to help support the organization and journey of the Three Amigos, you can donate to Perella’s GoFundMe. He needs all the help he can get!
Featured pictures: Instagram
